Best Saltwater Fishing Boats

The best saltwater fishing boats these days have to be more than just big enough to handle the ocean waves. Today’s anglers want boats that can do more than just troll far offshore, they must be equally adept at drifting the shallows for inshore species like snook, cobia and tarpon. The best saltwater fishing boats need to be able to manage the big swells when trolling, yet still carry a shallow enough draft that they can get in close to shore without spooking skinny-water trophies like redfish. And, they need to do it all with more creature comforts than ever before and be easy to tow to where the hot bite is.

Advances in outboard power and sophisticated marine electronics have really helped expand the versatility of today’s saltwater fishing boats, making them more capable, more comfortable and far safer than ever before. A few weeks ago we offered our top picks for the best freshwater fishing boats. Here are our choices for the best saltwater fishing boats for 2020.

Boston Whaler 230 Outrage

Boston Whaler 230 Outrage

The unsinkable Boston Whaler 230 Outrage combines seating, storage space, big water seaworthiness and a shallow draft for inshore fishing in a single, easy-to-trailer package. The roomy, completely refreshed cockpit features the new Converting Leaning Post, which houses both a drop-down bait prep table and a comfortable double-wide seat in its aft face. The self-bailing cockpit and standard 16-gallon live well are thoughtful touches. Spring for the integrated fiberglass hardtop upgrade, as well as the available premium navigation and fish-finding technology options to make this boat complete. Click here for more information.

• Length: 23’ 0”
• Beam: 8; 6”
• Draft: 18.5”
• Dry weight: 3,800 lbs
• Fuel capacity: 110 gal.
• Passenger capacity: 10
• Maximum power: 350 hp

Grady-White Adventure 208 WA

Grade White 208 WA

Grady-White packs a lot of boat into its easily-trailerable Adventure 208 WA, providing plenty of space to spread out when casting or jigging the shallows, yet maintaining the full protection of a walk-around deck plan when heading offshore for heavy hitters. One of the best saltwater fishing boats you can buy, the Adventure 208 WA offers standard features like a 106-quart insulated fish box, horizontal rod racks, a flush-mount electronics area on the helm and the option of a second 103-quart insulated fish box or a 25-gallon live well. This boat is ready for anything. Click here for more information.

• Length: 20’ 4”
• Beam: 8’ 1”
• Draft: 15”
• Dry weight: 2,900 lbs
• Fuel capacity: 82 gal.
• Passenger capacity: 8
• Maximum power: 250 hp

Mako 214 CC

Mako 214 CC

With its foam-injected hull, one-piece fiberglass stringer system and generous use of stainless steel throughout, the Mako 214 CC is built for heavy use in big water. Serious anglers will appreciate standard features like its no-nonsense anodized aluminum leaning post with flip-up cushions, multiple rod holders, generous storage compartments, removable forward console seat with integral 72-quart cooler, double 108-quart insulated fish boxes with overboard drains, a 210-quart in-deck storage space big enough to hold a five-gallon bucket, self-bailing cockpit and full non-skid throughout. An extensive option list lets you personalize this boat any way you like. Click here for more information.

• Length: 21’ 5”
• Beam: 8’ 6”
• Draft: 14”
• Dry weight: 3,735 lbs
• Fuel capacity: 91 gal.
• Passenger capacity: 10
• Maximum power: 250 hp

Sailfish 220 WAC

Sailfish 220WAC

Combining the feel of a center console with the protection of a cuddy cabin, the Sailfish 220 WAC features a spacious cabin with overnight amenities and a full complement of pro fishing features like full digital instrumentation, a fiberglass leaning post with integral fish box and cooler, a spacious helm capable of accepting flush mount 10-inch screens, a 25- gallon lit bait well, built-in tackle storage, rod holders and more. Choose from a variety of engine upgrades, electronics packages and fishing upgrades like the Offshore Tournament Pack to make this rig just the way you like it. With features like this, the 220 WAC is easily one of the best saltwater fishing boats available. Click here for more information.

• Length: 21’ 3”
• Beam: 8’ 6”
• Draft: 18”
• Dry weight: 4,950 lbs
• Fuel capacity: 93 gal.
• Passenger capacity: 8
• Maximum power: 200 hp

Wellcraft 222 Fisherman

Wellcraft 222 Fisherman

Wellcraft has been building offshore fishing boats for a long time, and the company knows a thing or two about what it takes to be successful. The 222 Fisherman is the embodiment of that expertise, coming packed with amenities like a stainless steel steering wheel, stainless grab handles and cup holders throughout, a removable 72-quart cooler, courtesy lights, a full skid-resistant fiberglass liner, gunnel rod racks, a self-bailing cockpit, a walk-through transom door, multiple rod holders and a Porta-pottie in the console. Not enough goodies? The option list is extensive, and enticing. Click here for more information.

• Length: 22’ 0”
• Beam: 8’ 6”
• Draft: 16”
• Dry weight: 3,900 lbs
• Fuel capacity: 103 gal.
• Passenger capacity: 8
• Maximum power: 250 hp